Morini Kanguro Rebuild

MoT Test Passed

As expected the bike had no problems with its test. As it was beautiful weather I was ready to go off into Nottinghamshire to explore some Byways. The terrain isn't dramatic but the lanes are not heavily used and therefore they have the potential to be worth riding.

Annual service

The Kanguro has been out of service for a year as I hadn't had the energy to look after it whilst I've been ill. Over 2 evenings this week I've done a routine service including:

• Clean air filter and air box. The machine has gone almost nowhere since it had a new filter. Why is the airbox so fiddly to get into?
• Valve gap checked and found to be fine. As expected. It's worth mentioning that this engine is an 'electric start' X3 with an 'old' X1 rotor. The PMS marks need to be aligned with the axis of the cam sprocket to show TDC. This shows that the orientation spline on the crank must vary between 'electric start' and 'old' engines rather than the rotors.
• A new cam belt was fitted as the last one was 5 years ago during the rebuild. I've fitted a Contitech standard belt rather than a graded length one.
• Carb bowls were removed and wiped out. There wasn't any muck in there which is good. However I did swap an O-ring on the starter jet of the rear cylinder carb as it had an oversize one on it.
• The oil was changed and filter rinsed in petrol. The oil was a horrid colour considering its slight use. Perhaps this is purely due to old age and corrosion products?
• Exhaust nuts were loosened and re-tightened.
• Timing was checked with a strobe and was spot-on.

I elected not to look at carb balance as I always find it a bind despite the use of a Carbtune.

In a few days it'll go for its MOT test, I don't anticipate a problem.